"I heard that Yingzhou is going to hold a poetry gathering soon, inviting talented people from all over the country to attend." A few young men who looked like scholars were talking at the next table.

"But the Lantai Poetry Gathering? That's a grand event held in Yingzhou every three years. If one can stand out at this gathering, one will surely become famous."

"Indeed. It is said that this poetry gathering is personally presided over by the Prefect of Yingzhou, and not only are the prizes generous, but one can also receive guidance from a great Confucian scholar of the time..."

Upon hearing this, Qi Mingyue's eyes flashed with interest. She had long heard of the Lantai Poetry Gathering, one of the most prestigious literary events in Yingzhou. If she could attend this gathering, the trip would be worthwhile.

After tea and refreshments, the mistress and servant boarded the carriage again and set off. Seeing that Qi Mingyue was in a good mood, Zhishu asked with a smile, "Miss, are you interested in that poetry gathering?"

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "Since we've come across this, I should naturally go and see it for myself. However..." She paused, her voice softening, "I'd rather see what Yingzhou Academy is really like, rather than just a lively poetry gathering."

Zhi Shu nodded as if he understood but not quite, and poured Qi Mingyue a cup of fresh tea.

The carriage continued its journey, and Qi Mingyue took out the book she carried with her and finally settled down to read. As she turned the pages, a few willow catkins were occasionally carried into the carriage by the wind, landing on the pages and then being gently brushed away.

After an unknown amount of time, the coachman outside reminded them, "Miss, we are about to enter Yingzhou territory."

Upon hearing this, Qi Mingyue put down her book and gently lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. She saw rolling mountains in the distance and fields and paths nearby, a scene quite different from the capital. Beside the official road stood a boundary marker inscribed with the two large characters "Yingzhou."

"We've finally arrived," Qi Mingyue murmured to herself, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Zhi Shu smiled and said, "Miss seems to be looking forward to it."

Qi Mingyue nodded: "Mother always says that Yingzhou is a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery, so I naturally have high expectations." She paused, her voice lowering slightly, "I hope this trip... won't disappoint Mother."

As the sun set, the evening glow on the horizon was like fire, bathing the entire Yingzhou region in a golden-red light. Qi Mingyue's carriage slowly entered Yingzhou in the twilight, as if entering a completely new world.

Unbeknownst to her, the very moment she stepped into Yingzhou, Yao Xiuyan, far away at the border, had just received a letter from the capital. When he read the line, "Miss Mingyue has set off for Yingzhou," his brow furrowed involuntarily, and he immediately summoned his deputy:

"Prepare the horses, I need to return to the capital ahead of schedule."